Financial and Business Digital Accounts
What if I find cryptocurrency but don't have the keys?
Short answer
You may be able to access a custodial wallet (like Coinbase or Kraken) through their estate process — these platforms hold the keys on your behalf. Contact the platform with a death certificate and proof of authority. Self-custody wallets (where the deceased…
What this usually means
You may be able to access a custodial wallet (like Coinbase or Kraken) through their estate process — these platforms hold the keys on your behalf. Contact the platform with a death certificate and proof of authority. Self-custody wallets (where the deceased held their own keys) are not recoverable without the key or seed phrase.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.